Washington National Opera Performs Peter Grimes at The Kennedy Center

Benjamin Britten's gripping opera Peter Grimes tells the story of a lonely fisherman who is persecuted and accused of murder. The most-performed 20th century British opera in the international repertoire, Grimes is known for its haunting, sea-tossed score and profound psychological insight.

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Hailed as “the Grimes of the post-Vickers generation” (Opera News), British tenor Christopher Ventris stars in WNO’s company premiere of Peter Grimes. With its haunting, sea-tossed score and profound psychological insight, Benjamin Britten’s work tells the tale of Peter Grimes, a lonely fisherman who is persecuted and accused of murder.

In a sea of enraged villagers, his only support comes from schoolmistress Ellen Orford (Patricia Racette) and Captain Balstrode (Alan Held). Known for her musical and dramatic mastery, American soprano Patricia Racette’s Ellen Orford was recently praised for “uncommon vocal vibrancy” and “dramatic intensity” (The New York Times).

American bass-baritone Alan Held, a WNO favorite lauded for his “solid baritone and stalwart presence” (The New York Times), will sing the role of Captain Balstrode in this riveting production from Santa Fe Opera.

See why Peter Grimes has become the most performed 20th-century British opera in the international repertoire.

Performed in English with English supertitles.

About the Ticket Supplier: Washington National Opera

As the resident opera company of the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera (WNO) draws on a rich history to offer high-quality grand opera featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Additionally, WNO serves as a vital resource throughout the Washington metro area, bringing opera to a broad public through its award-winning education and community programs.